How to File a Car Insurance Claim After a Storm

Extreme weather events, such as hail, wildfires, high winds, and flooding can cause severe damage to your vehicle. Understanding how to file a weather-related damage claim can make it easier to get be reimbursed for damage to your car.  Read on for further guidance.

Does My Car Insurance Cover Weather-Related Damage?

Most states require specific forms of car insurance.  Depending on your location, required coverage may include liability insurance, personal injury protection insurance and uninsured/underinsure motorist coverage. However, these coverages generally won’t help pay for damage caused by non-collision incidents, such as weather-related damage.

To ensure protection from weather-related events you need comprehensive insurance coverage. Although this coverage isn’t typically required by most states, it can help prevent costly out-of-pocket expenses if your car is damaged from a storm or natural disaster.

How Do I File a Weather-Related Damage Claim?

The following are general guidelines for filing a claim following weather-related damage to your car:

• Contact your insurance company. Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Some insurers will set up emergency disaster relief programs to expedite claims following widespread disasters, such as major hurricanes and tornados.
• Prioritize safety. Don’t drive a vehicle that could have serious problems. Although damage can be easy to spot (e.g., dents from hail), some damage may be difficult to notice without a proper inspection. Leave your car where it is and don’t attempt to drive it before an insurance adjuster arrives if there’s a chance it could have sustained damage.
• Assess the condition of your vehicle. Make a quick assessment of the damage to your car to determine whether it is safe to drive.  Look for signs of extensive damage and indications that the car may not be drivable.
• Document the damage. Gather visuals of the damage, such as photos and videos. You should also note anything that seems wrong (e.g., a strong smoke smell when driving). Provide this information to your insurance company to help them evaluate the loss.
• Be patient. Auto insurance companies often receive a deluge of insurance claims following an extreme weather-related event, such as a wildfire or hurricane. Be prepared to wait and try to remain patient during the claims process.

Finding and maintaining the right auto insurance policy is crucial to ensuring you’re financially protected from weather-related events. Work with RMC Group to ensure you have sufficient protection. We offer free policy reviews to make sure you are covered before the unexpected happens.

Contact Us

The agents at RMC Group are here to answer your insurance questions. Contact us today to learn more at 239-298-8210.

© 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. This article is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.